On April 31, my mom passed away in Austin, Texas. I had hoped to make one more trip to Texas to see her before she passed, but sadly, that wasn't the case.

Now I need help because I can't afford the flight, hotel, and car rental to get back home. Plus, I am hoping to get enough money to buy two small headstones, one for mom, and one for my grandmother who doesn't have one. That alone, priced out, is roughly $1,400-$2,000. And I need the money to put an obituary in the local paper, which runs roughly $300.

Since I am an hourly worker, I also need to make sure that I have money to cover the time I won't be at work. I don't get sick pay unless I am actually ill, so I can't draw on that. Any day I am not working during the week, I don't make money, and I need to make sure I can cover rent and other expenses if I can get back home for even a 4-day stay.

I don't like asking for help, but I want to allow my mom to be laid to rest with respect and dignity. All I can offer is my own heartfelt thanks if you can help out in any way.